West Virginia § 3-9-17 - 3-9-17. Illegal voting; deceiving voters; penalties.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 3-9-17 — 3-9-17. Illegal voting; deceiving voters; penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3-9-17. 3-9-17. Illegal voting; deceiving voters; penalties.

(a) Any person who knowingly and willfully votes or attempts to vote more than once at the same election held in this state; in more than one county in this state at the same or equivalent election; or, in this state and another state or territory at the same or equivalent election, irrespective of different offices, questions, or candidates on the ballot, knowing the same to be illegal, is guilty of a felony and, on conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not less than one year but not more than 10 years, or fined not more than $10,000, or both, in the discretion of the court.

(b) Any person who knowingly and willfully votes or attempts to vote when the person knows he or she is not legally entitled to do so; or procures or assists in procuring an illegal vote to be admitted, or received, at an election, knowing the same to be illegal; or causes or assists in causing a legal vote to be rejected, knowing the same to be legal, is guilty of a felony and, on conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not less than one year but not more than 10 years, or fined not more than $10,000, or both, in the discretion of the court.

(c) Any person who knowingly and willfully, with intent to deceive, alters the ballot of a voter by marking out the name of any person for whom such voter desires to vote; or, with like intent, writes the name of any person on such ballot other than those directed by the voter; or with like intent, makes any alteration thereof, whether such ballot be voted or not; or defrauds any voter at any election, by deceiving and causing him or her to vote for a different person for any office than he or she intended or desired to vote for, is guilty of a felony and, on conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not less than one year but not more than 10 years, or fined not more than $10,000, or both, in the discretion of the court.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 3-9-17

What does West Virginia Code § 3-9-17 cover?

Section 3-9-17 ("3-9-17. Illegal voting; deceiving voters; penalties.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite West Virginia § 3-9-17?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 3-9-17" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 3-9-17 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.